Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

Potassium Metal Is Explosive—Do Not Use It!Andreas Grubelnik, Veronika R. Meyer, Peter Bützer, and Urban W. SchönenbergerThe reaction of sodium with water is a spectacular and essential classroom demonstration. Many teachers want to show also the more violent reaction of potassium. We propose not to do so because explosions can happen even before the metal is in contact with water.Grubelnik, Andreas; Meyer, Veronika R.; Bützer, Peter; Schönenberger, Urban W. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 634.

Measurement of the Isotopic Ratio of 10B/11B in NaBH4 by 1H NMRMurray Zanger and Guillermo MoynaA simple and remarkably accurate method for estimating the isotopic ratio between 10B and 11B through the use of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is presented. The experiment relies on the splitting caused by 10B (I = 3) and 11B (I = 3/2) on the 1H signal of a proton directly bound to boron, a phenomenon readily observed on an aqueous sample of NaBH4. In combination with a brief lecture or prelaboratory presentation, this laboratory can serve to introduce students to magnetic properties as well as theoretical and experimental aspects of NMR spectroscopy as early as the freshman-level chemistry. Zanger, Murray; Moyna, Guillermo. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1390.

Analysis of OxiClean: An Interesting Comparison of Percarbonate Stain RemoversJeffrey D. Bracken and David TietzSeveral different brands of oxygen-based multipurpose stain removers consist of simple mixtures of sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate. A small sample of each brand of stain remover is decomposed and then analyzed. The observed difference in mass allows students to accurately determine the percentages of each component of the stain remover. A back-titration experiment and a precipitation reaction are performed to confirm the complete decomposition of the original mixture.Bracken, Jeffrey D.; Tietz, David. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 762.

How Radioactive Is Your Banana?David W. BallThis exercise uses a banana to illustrate the level of radioactivity (in this case, from K-40) in an everyday object. Ball, David W. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1440.

Lithium Batteries: A Practical Application of Chemical PrinciplesRichard S. TreptowIn recent years batteries have emerged in the marketplace that take advantage of the unique properties of lithium. Lithium metal is an attractive choice to serve as a battery anode because it is easily oxidized and it produces an exceptionally high amount of electrical charge per unit-weight.Treptow, Richard S. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 1015.

Crystallization from a Supersaturated Solution of Sodium AcetateJamil AhmadAn overhead projector demonstration is described, in which sodium acetate trihydrate crystallizes out from a supersaturated solution that has been poured on a transparency. When seeded with a crystal of the salt, crystallization starts, and its progress can be followed on the screen. Ahmad, Jamil. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 1446.

The Sodium RainbowMiroslav ProksaA new approach to the reaction of sodium with water to produce a "rainbow" of colors.Proksa, Miroslav. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 942.

Acids / Bases |

Metals |

Oxidation / Reduction

A Manageable Measurement Method for SodiumMario Branca and Steven LoiselleThe use of sodium in chemical research is hampered by its reactivity in moist air, which leads to difficult handling and measurement methods. We describe a simple method using disposable microcapillary pipettes for small quantity applications.J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 857.

Bent thermometerSmith, Douglas D.Reducing the breakage of thermometers, using CO2 as an insecticide, and improving the demonstration of the reaction between sodium and water.Smith, Douglas D. J. Chem. Educ.1979, 56, 742.

Display of sodium as a shiny metalDavidson, ScottInvolves adding a few drops of a high molecular weight secondary alcohol to delay oxidation of the sodium while stored under kerosene.Davidson, Scott J. Chem. Educ.1977, 54, 29.

Group 1. The Alkali Metals. The Copper Group Mancuso, Carl J.; Alyea, Hubert N.Demonstrations include the density and melting point of copper versus sodium, the conductivity of sodium, the reactivity with water of groups IA vs IB, and the stability of CO3--, HCO3-, and hydroxides of groups IA vs IB.Mancuso, Carl J.; Alyea, Hubert N. J. Chem. Educ.1967, 44, A919.